BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a particle supply apparatus that supplies particles
such as toner to a supply destination; an electrophotographic imaging apparatus such
as a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine; and a method
of transporting a particle accommodating unit that is detachably installed to the
particle supply apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Technology related to a particle supply apparatus such as a toner bank or a toner
replenishing apparatus used for accommodating large amounts of toner in an imaging
apparatus such as a copier or a printer are disclosed in Japanese Patent No.
3534159 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2005-24622, for example.
[0003] In Japanese Patent No.
3534159, a particle supply apparatus (toner bank) that can accommodate plural toner container
bottles is disclosed. Specifically, according to this disclosure, a stopper of one
of the plural toner containers is removed so that toner contained therein may be supplied
to a hopper of the toner bank. The toner within the hopper of the toner bank is conveyed
to a developing apparatus corresponding to a toner supply destination by gas flow
transferring means. Then, when the opened toner container becomes empty, another toner
container is opened and toner is supplied from this other toner container to the toner
bank.
[0004] In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2005-24622, a particle supply apparatus (toner replenishing apparatus) that includes a hopper
(toner hopper) having a larger capacity than a toner container is disclosed. Specifically,
according to this disclosure, toner from plural toner containers is accommodated within
a toner hopper having a large capacity. The hopper has a stirring member that stirs
the toner accommodated therein. The toner within the hopper is discharged from the
lower side of the hopper and is conveyed toward a developing apparatus corresponding
to the toner supply destination by fluid transporting means.
[0005] Also, Japanese Patent No.
3549051 discloses a particle supply apparatus (replenishing apparatus) for replenishing toner
(particles) in a toner container (particle container). Specifically, according to
this disclosure, air is supplied to the replenishing apparatus in order to increase
the internal pressure of the apparatus so that toner accommodated within the replenishing
apparatus may be discharged from a particle emission tube and supplied to a toner
container corresponding to a toner supply destination.
[0006] The particle supply apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No.
3534159 accommodates plural toner containers in order to increase its toner accommodating
capacity. However, when all the toner contained in the plural toner containers are
used up, plural replacement toner containers have to be reinstalled into the apparatus
which may be quite burdensome. In this respect, although toner accommodating capacity
may be increased in the particle supply apparatus, operations required after all the
toner is used up may be rather inefficient according to this technique.
[0007] The particle supply apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication
No.
2005-24622 increases the toner accommodating capacity by increasing the capacity of the hopper.
However, according to this technique, the toner accommodated in the hopper is mechanically
stirred by a stirring member in order to prevent cross-linking of the toner, and as
a result, mechanical stress may occur in the toner. When mechanical stress occurs
in the toner, additives mixed to the toner may emerge onto the toner surface and/or
be separated from the toner so that the toner may be degraded to cause image quality
degradation. Further, since the particle supply apparatus of Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No.
2005-24622 discharges toner from the lower side of the hopper, the toner scattering amount from
the particle supply apparatus may be increased when the seal around the toner discharge
outlet is degraded, for example.
[0008] The particle supply apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No.
3549051 actively applies pressure to an accommodating portion that accommodates toner in
order to enable discharge of the toner. Accordingly, the accommodating portion has
to have adequate mechanical durability for withstanding the pressure applied thereto.
In this respect, although the particle supply apparatus according to this technique
may be used as a fabricating apparatus that replenishes toner to a toner container,
it may not be suitable for use as a particle supply apparatus of an imaging apparatus
that supplies toner to a developing apparatus.
[0009] Also, it is noted that in the case of using the technique of actively applying pressure
to the toner accommodating portion to discharge the toner from the accommodating portion,
the discharge amount of toner may vary significantly depending on the amount of toner
remaining in the accommodating portion, and it may be difficult to perform fine adjustment
of the toner discharge amount. Thus, although the particle supply apparatus of Japanese
Patent No.
3549051 may be used as a fabricating apparatus that replenishes toner to a toner container,
it may not be suitable for use as a particle supply apparatus of an imaging apparatus
that supplies toner to a developing apparatus.
[0010] It is noted that the problems described above are not merely problems encountered
by a particle supply apparatus used in an imaging apparatus. That is, the problems
are common to all types of particle supply apparatuses that demands fine adjustment
of the particle supply amount without damaging the particles.
[0011] Also, for such particle supply apparatuses, a technique is in demand for efficiently
and accurately supplying particles accommodated in a particle accommodating unit to
a supply destination and efficiently performing toner replenishing operations (exchange
operations) for the particle accommodating unit. Further, a technique is in demand
for preventing blocking of the particles accommodated within the particle accommodating
unit at operation start time after the particle accommodating unit is transported.
[0012] US 6,201,941 B1 relates to a developer container for an image forming apparatus and method of conveying
a developer. A developer replenishing device included in an image forming apparatus
for replenishing a developer to a developing unit is disclosed and includes a developer
container filled with the developer. An air pump feeds compressed air into the developer
container to thereby fluidize the developer. A powder pump discharge the fluidized
toner from the developer container by suction and delivers it to the developing unit.
When the toner container is set on the body of the apparatus, an air feed portion
penetrates into the container.
[0013] EP 1 695 924 A1 relates to a package, packing assembly, and packing method for used process cartridge.
The package has an used developer cartridge, a packing case and cushioning members.
The packing case is configured with a upper surface that can be opened. When packed
in the packing case, the developer cartridge is accommodated in the cushioning members
so that the developing roller is positioned vertically above the toner-extracting
hole. Recessed parts are formed in the cushioning members, respectively. One recessed
part is shaped to closely fit over the upper surface of the developer cartridge. The
other recessed part is shaped to fit closes over the lower surface of the developer
cartridge. The recessed parts accommodate the developer cartridge so that the developer
cartridge has no play therein.
[0014] US 2004/0037591 A1 relates to a method of and device for conveying toner material from a toner refill
container as well as associated toner refill container. A method of conveying toner
material from a refill container is provided, wherein a refill container having an
opening for the discharge of toner material is arranged in a receptacle device in
a first substantially upright position. In this first position, the opening is closed
by a closing device. The refill container is swiveled into the second position with
bottom opening with the aid of the receptacle device. Toner material is taken from
the refill container via a discharge opening provided in the closing device. Further,
the document relates to a device for conveying toner material and to an associated
toner refill container.
[0015] JP H 11-212348 A relates to a toner bank and image forming device having the same. In this toner bank
for supplying a toner with which a toner image is formed by developing a latent image
on an image carrier by an electrophotographic system from a position separated from
a developing position, a toner container inserting part is provided, so that the toner
container storing the toner at inside is inserted from a main body front. Also, the
toner bank is constituted by providing a toner container holding means for attachably
and detachably holding the toner container inserted from the toner container inserting
part, an aperture part for discharging the toner from the toner container held by
the toner container holding means and a gas flow transferring means for mixing the
toner discharged from the aperture part with fluidized gas and transferring it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful particle
supply apparatus in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated. In order to
achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided a particle supply apparatus
according to claim 1. In addition, there is provided a particle supply apparatus according
to claim 18. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
[0017] Advantageously, techniques implemented in a particle supply apparatus, an imaging
apparatus, and a particle accommodating unit transporting method are provided for
increasing particle accommodating capacity without damaging the particles or requiring
burdensome replacement procedures, enabling fine adjustment of the particle supply
amount, conveying particles to a particle supply destination in an efficient and accurate
manner without causing particle scattering, and preventing blocking of the particles
accommodated within a particle accommodating unit at operations start time after the
particle accommodating unit is transported.
[0018] Advantageously, a particle supply apparatus is provided that supplies particles to
a supply destination, the apparatus including:
a particle supply apparatus main frame;
a particle accommodating unit that accommodates the particles;
a gas spouting unit that is arranged at a bottom portion of the particle accommodating
unit and is configured to spout gas toward the particles; and
a conveying mechanism that applies suction to the particles accommodated in the particle
accommodating unit and conveys the particles toward the supply destination;
wherein the particle accommodating unit is installed in the particle supply apparatus
main frame and is arranged to rest on a face at the bottom portion side during operation,
and the particle accommodating unit is detached from the particle supply apparatus
main frame and is arranged to rest on a face other than the face at the bottom portion
side during transportation.
[0019] Advantageously, the particle accommodating unit includes a gas accommodating pouch
arranged at the resting face of the particle accommodating unit during transportation,
and the gas accommodating pouch is configured to be reduced in volume by evacuating
gas contained in the particle accommodating unit during operation.
[0020] Advantageously, an imaging apparatus is provided that includes a particle supply
apparatus.
[0021] Advantageously, a method of transporting a particle accommodating unit that is detachably
arranged at a particle supply apparatus for supplying particles to a supply destination
which particle accommodating unit is configured to accommodate the particles and has
a gas spouting unit arranged at a bottom portion for spouting gas towards the particles,
the method involving:
arranging the particle accommodating unit to be detached from the particle supply
apparatus, and arranging the particle accommodating unit to rest on a face other than
a face at the bottom portion side of the particle accommodating unit upon transporting
the particle accommodating unit.
[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an imaging apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing configurations of an imaging apparatus main frame and
a particle supply apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating where a particle accommodating unit is detached from
the particle supply apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the particle supply apparatus
according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the particle supply apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the particle accommodating unit of
the particle supply apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of an area surrounding a suction tube;
FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating control operations for controlling a second
gas spouting unit;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a remaining toner sensor;
FIGS. 10A-10C are diagrams showing the disposition of the particle accommodating unit
upon its transportation and the disposition of the particle accommodating unit during
operation;
FIG. 11 is a graph showing testing results indicating the advantageous effects of
the present embodiment;
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing configurations of casters arranged at the particle
accommodating unit;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the disposition upon operation of the particle accommodating
unit according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the disposition upon operation of the particle accommodating
unit according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 18A-18C are diagrams showing a particle accommodating unit according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a particle accommodating unit according to
a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that in these drawings, illustrated
elements that have identical or corresponding features are represented by identical
reference numerals and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.
(First Embodiment)
[0025] In the following, a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference
to FIGS. 1-12.
[0026] First, the overall configuration and operations of an imaging apparatus according
to the first embodiment are described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the imaging apparatus
according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating internal configurations
of an imaging apparatus main frame and a particle supply apparatus.
[0028] In FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus main frame (copying unit) 1, a paper feed bank (paper
feed unit) 2, a post process unit 3 that performs post processes such as sorting and
stapling, and a particle supply apparatus (toner supply unit) 20 are illustrated as
components of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0029] The particle supply apparatus 20 is arranged at the bottom side of a wing 2a of a
paper feed tray that is placed on top of the paper feed bank 2.
[0030] In FIG. 2, the internal configurations of the imaging apparatus main frame 1 and
the particle supply apparatus 20 are shown. Specifically, the imaging apparatus main
frame 1 includes a photoconductor drum 4 as an image carrying element, a developing
unit (developer) 5 that develops a latent image formed on the photoconductor drum
4, a transfer unit 6 that transfers a toner image formed on the photoconductor drum
4 onto a recording medium such as paper, a fixing unit 7 that fixes toner that is
transferred onto the recording medium, a cleaning unit 8 that collects untransferred
toner that is remaining on the photoconductor drum 4, an exposure unit 16 that irradiates
exposure light on the photoconductor drum 4 based on image information read by a document
read unit, a charge unit 17 that charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 4,
and a paper feed unit 18 that accommodates recording medium such as paper.
[0031] The imaging apparatus main frame 1 also includes a toner hopper (toner receiving
unit) 9 as a supply destination for the toner being supplied from the particle supply
apparatus 20, a toner conveying channel 11 for conveying the toner within the toner
hopper 9 to a toner replenishing unit 5a of the developing unit 5, and toner containers
(toner bottles) 19 as a secondary particle accommodating unit that supplies toner
to the toner hopper 9 in addition to the particle supply apparatus 20.
[0032] Further, the imaging apparatus main frame 1 includes a supply channel (recycling
channel) 75 as a recycling route for conveying the untransferred toner collected by
the cleaning unit 8 to the toner hopper 9. In certain embodiments, the supply channel
75 may use a conveyor screw or a pump such as a diaphragm air pump, for example.
[0033] In the following, normal imaging operations of the imaging apparatus according to
the present embodiment are described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0034] First, a document is conveyed by a conveying roller of a document conveying unit
from a document table to pass a document read unit. At this point, the document read
unit optically reads image information of the passing document.
[0035] Then, the optical image information read by the document read unit is converted into
an electrical signal to be transmitted to the exposure unit 16. In turn, the exposure
unit 16 irradiates exposure light such as laser on the photoconductor drum 4 based
on the electrical signal of the image information.
[0036] The photoconductor drum 4 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2. The surface
of the photoconductor drum 4 is evenly charged by the charge unit 17 when it reaches
the position opposing the charge unit 17. The surface of the photoconductor 4 charged
by the charge unit 17 then reaches an exposure light irradiation position, and a latent
image corresponding to the image information is formed at this irradiation position.
[0037] Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 4 having the latent image formed thereon
reaches a position opposing the developing unit 5 at which position the latent image
on the photoconductor drum 4 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit
5.
[0038] In the developing unit 5, toner supplied from the toner replenishing unit 5a is mixed
with a carrier by a paddle roller, for example. Then, the frictionally charged toner
and the carrier are supplied to the surface of a developing roller opposing the photoconductor
drum 4.
[0039] It is noted that toner in the developing unit 5 may be replenished by the toner replenishing
unit 5a as is necessary in accordance with the consumption of toner within the developing
unit 5. The consumption of toner within the developing unit 5 may be detected by a
photo sensor arranged opposite the photoconductor 4 or a magnetic permeability sensor
arranged within the developing unit 5, for example. The toner in the toner replenishing
unit 5a may be replenished by supplying toner from the toner hopper 9 via the toner
conveying channel 11 that uses a toner conveying coil or a particle pump, for example.
The toner in the toner hopper 9 may be replenished by supplying toner from the particle
supply apparatus 20 arranged outside the imaging apparatus main frame 1 using conveying
mechanism 37, 40, 22, and 41.
[0040] According to the present embodiment, plural replaceable toner containers 19 are arranged
at the toner hopper 9 so that toner may be supplied to the toner hopper 9 from the
toner containers 19 as well as the particle supply apparatus 20. For example, the
toner containers 19 may be used to supply toner to the toner hopper 9 when replacement
operations for replacing a particle accommodating unit 31 of the particle supply unit
20 are being performed. In this way, downtime of the imaging apparatus may be avoided.
[0041] Also, according to the present embodiment, the toner containers 19 are bottle-shaped
containers having spiral projecting portions formed at their inner surfaces. Thus,
by rotating the toner container 19, toner within the toner container 19 may be discharged
from the opening of the toner container 19 to be supplied to the toner hopper 9.
[0042] Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 4 having the toner image developed by
the developing unit 5 reaches a position opposing the transfer unit 6 at which position
the transfer unit 6 transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 4
onto a recording medium such as paper. In this case, a small amount of untransferred
toner remains on the surface of the photoconductor drum 4.
[0043] Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 4 having the untransferred toner remaining
thereon reaches a position opposing the cleaning unit 8 at which position the untransferred
toner is removed by a cleaning blade of the cleaning unit 8 that comes into contact
with the surface of the photoconductor drum 4 so that the remaining toner may be collected
by the cleaning unit 8. The toner collected by the cleaning unit 8 is conveyed to
the toner hopper 9 via the supply channel 75 as recycled toner and is supplied to
the developing unit 5 (toner replenishing unit 5a) along with fresh toner supplied
from the particle supply unit 20 and/or the toner containers 19. In this way, efficient
recycle of toner may be realized in the imaging apparatus.
[0044] Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 4 that has passed the cleaning unit
8 reaches a charge removal position (not shown) where the electric potential on the
surface of the photoconductor drum 4 is removed so that the imaging operations may
be ended.
[0045] In the following, operations for handling the recording medium conveyed to the transfer
unit 6 are described.
[0046] First, one paper feed unit (e.g. paper feed unit 18) is manually or automatically
selected from plural paper feed units.
[0047] Then, one piece of the recording medium (e.g. paper) accommodated in the selected
paper feed unit 18 is moved in the direction of the dot-dashed line shown in FIG.
2 representing a paper conveying route.
[0048] Then, the recording medium fed from the paper feed unit 18 is conveyed to the position
where a resist roller is arranged. The recording medium reaching the position of the
resist roller is synchronized with the photoconductor drum 4 to adjust the positioning
of the toner image and is conveyed to the transfer unit 6.
[0049] After transfer of the toner image onto the recording medium is completed, the recording
medium moves past the transfer unit 6 to reach the position of the fixing unit 7.
At this position, the toner image transferred onto the recording medium is fixed by
the fixing unit 7 using heat and pressure. Then, after undergoing the fixing process,
the recording medium is discharged from the imaging apparatus main frame 1 as an output
image and delivered to the post process unit 3 that performs post processes on the
discharged recording medium.
[0050] In the following, the configuration and operations of the particle supply apparatus
20 are described.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the particle accommodating unit being detached from
the particle supply apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the
particle supply apparatus. FIG. 5 is a top view of the particle supply apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the particle accommodating unit of
the particle supply apparatus.
[0052] As is shown in FIGS. 2-5, the particle supply apparatus (toner supply unit) 20 includes
a particle supply apparatus main frame (fixed unit) 21 that is fixed to the imaging
apparatus (paper feed bank 2) and the particle accommodating unit (toner tank unit)
31 that accommodates toner (particles).
[0053] As is shown in FIG. 3, the particle accommodating unit 31 is configured to be detachable
from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21. Specifically, the particle accommodating
unit 31 has two pairs of casters 31a and 31b arranged at the four corners of its bottom
side for supporting the particle accommodating unit 31 in an upright position and
enabling the particle accommodating unit 31 to move with respect to a resting face
on which it rests. Also, the particle accommodating unit 31 has a second gripper 55
arranged at its upper side. With such an arrangement, an operator such as a user or
a serviceperson may grip the second gripper 55 and move the particle accommodating
unit 31 in/out of the particle supply main frame 21 in the directions indicated by
the arrow shown in FIG. 3 using the casters 31a.
[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, the particle accommodating unit 31 has a first
gripper 56 arranged at its bottom side as is described in detail below with reference
to FIG. 10.
[0055] The particle supply apparatus main frame 21 includes a door 21b having a handle 21a
(see FIG. 5). The door 21b may be opened/closed to install/detach the particle accommodating
unit 31 into/from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21. In this case, connection
members 50, 53a-53c, and 57 of the particle accommodating unit 31 are connected/detached
to/from connection members 51, 54a-54c, and 58 of the particle supply apparatus main
frame 21 (see FIG. 4).
[0056] According to the present embodiment, the casters 31a and 31b are arranged close to
the uppermost edge portions of a V-shaped sloping bottom surface of the particle accommodating
unit 31 so that the height of the particle accommodating unit 31 including the casters
31a and 31b may be relatively low. Also, as is described in detail below with reference
to FIG. 10, one of the pairs of casters 31a is arranged to have a greater wheel diameter
compared to the other pair of casters 31b.
[0057] It is noted that the number of casters and their positions are not limited to the
above-illustrated embodiment, and any number of casters may be attached to the particle
accommodating unit 31 at suitable positions for enabling the particle accommodating
unit 31 to move with respect to the ground surface without toppling over, for example.
Also, the shape and position of the second gripper 55 is not limited to the above-illustrated
embodiment, and the second gripper 55 may be arranged into other suitable shapes and
at other suitable positions for enabling the particle accommodating unit 31 to be
easily moved with respect to the ground surface.
[0058] In the particle supply apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, the particle
accommodating unit 31 may be moved and detached from the particle supply apparatus
main frame 21 so that when the particle accommodating unit 31 becomes nearly empty,
it may be replaced by another particle accommodating unit 31 that has ample toner
accommodated therein. In this way, toner may be continually supplied to the imaging
apparatus main frame 1. Also, it is noted that the particle supply apparatus 20 has
a separate power supply unit 60 that is different from the power supply unit for the
imaging apparatus main frame 1 so that operations for replacing the particle accommodating
unit 31 may be performed without having to turn off the power of the imaging apparatus
main frame 1. In other words, the replacement operations may be performed without
causing downtime of the imaging apparatus main frame 21.
[0059] As is shown in FIG. 4, the particle supply apparatus main frame 21 includes a pump
(conveying mechanism) 22 that introduces the toner T accommodated in the particle
accommodating unit 31 by suction force and discharges the toner toward a supply destination
(toner hopper 9), an air pump 24 that supplies air to a gas spouting unit (fluidized
bed) 33 (see FIG. 6) of the particle accommodating unit 31, and the power supply unit
60, for example. In one preferred embodiment, a diaphragm air pump may be used as
the pump 22.
[0060] It is noted that in the present embodiment, the toner hopper 9 of the imaging apparatus
main frame 1 corresponds to the supply destination for the toner supplied from the
particle supply apparatus 20; however, in an alternative embodiment, the toner replenishing
unit 5a of the developing unit 5 may be the supply destination for the toner supplied
from the particle supply apparatus 20, for example.
[0061] As is shown in FIG. 6, the particle accommodating unit 31 includes a suction pipe
37; the gas spouting unit 33; four tubes 40 and 44a-44c made of flexible silicon rubber;
a second gas spouting unit 62, a holding member 65 that holds the second gas spouting
unit 62 and the suction pipe 37, a remaining toner sensor (near end sensor) 38 as
detection means for detecting the amount of toner remaining in the particle accommodating
unit 31; a cable (harness line) 47 electrically connected to the remaining toner sensor
38; and a support member 61 that supports the remaining toner sensor 38, the holding
member 65, and the cable 47, for example. Also, the particle accommodating unit 31
accommodates toner T having a volume average particle diameter within a range of 3-15
µm. The horizontal cross section of the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged
into a rectangular shape to secure adequate capacity for accommodating the toner T.
[0062] The bottom surface of the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged into a sloped
surface with a center portion arranged at a lowermost position. In other words, the
bottom surface of the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged into a V-shaped sloping
surface. The gas spouting unit (fluidized bed) 33 is arranged along the sloping bottom
surface of the particle accommodating unit 31.
[0063] It is noted that the sloping angle of the sloping bottom surface of the particle
accommodating unit 31 is arranged to be smaller than the angle of repose for the toner
T accommodated within the particle accommodating unit 31. Specifically, for example,
while the angle of repose for the toner T may be approximately 40 degrees, the sloping
angle of the sloping surface may be approximately 20 degrees. By arranging the sloping
angle of the sloping surface to be relatively small, a dead space created as a result
of sloping may be reduced and the toner may be prevented from piling up at a lowermost
region (region around the lowermost position) of the sloping surface to excessively
increase the bulk density at this region.
[0064] The gas spouting unit 33 includes an intermediate unit 33A, a porous member 33B,
and four chambers 33C1-33C4, for example, and is configured to spout air (gas) into
the particle accommodating unit 31. The lateral cross section (i.e., cross section
orthogonal to the air spouting direction) of the gas spouting unit 33 is arranged
into a substantially rectangular shape.
[0065] The porous member 33B of the gas spouting unit 33 has holes with diameters that are
arranged to be smaller than the particle size (diameter) of toner T, and is arranged
at a side that comes into direct contact with the toner T accommodated within the
particle accommodating unit 31. Air discharged from the air pump 24 of the particle
supply apparatus main frame 21 is supplied to the porous member 33B via the tubes
44a, 44b, and the chambers 33C1-33C4, and the porous member 33B acts as the air spouting
outlet for spouting air into the particle accommodating unit 31.
[0066] It is noted that the porous member 33B is made of a porous material having fine holes
for passing air. The porous member 33B is configured to have an aperture ratio of
5-40% (preferably within 10-20%) and an average aperture diameter of 0.3-20 µm (preferably
within 5-15 µm), and the average hole diameter of its holes is arranged to be 0.1-5
times (preferably 0.5-3 times) the volume average particle diameter of the toner T.
[0067] The porous member 33B may be made of glass, sintered resin particles, photo-etched
resin, thermally perforated resin or some other type of porous resin material, sintered
metal, a perforated metal plate material, a mesh laminate, or a metal material having
selectively fused holes that may be obtained by causing precipitation of metal copper
around fusible metal threads through electrochemical processing to fabricate a copper
plate with the fusible metal threads implanted therein and selectively removing the
fusible metal threads implanted into the copper plate, for example.
[0068] By spouting air toward the toner T accommodated in the particle accommodating unit
31 via the porous member 33B as is described above, the bulk density of the toner
may be reduced, the toner T may be fluidized, and cross-linking of the toner T may
be prevented, for example. It is noted that since each toner particle weighs relatively
little and a relatively strong air pressure is applied to the porous member 33B, it
is unlikely for a toner particle to penetrate the chambers 33C1-33C4 or clog up the
porous member 33B even when the toner particle enters a hole of the porous member
33B.
[0069] As is shown in FIG. 6, four independent chambers 33C1-33C4 are arranged below the
porous member 33B.
[0070] Specifically, the first chamber 33C1 and the second chamber 33C2 are adjacent to
the intermediate unit 33A that is arranged at the lowermost region of the sloping
bottom surface. The first chamber 33C1 receives air from the air pump 24 that is conveyed
through the connection members 53b, 54b, and the tube (second tube) 44b and diverged
by the intermediate unit 33A via a discharge outlet 44b1. The second chamber 33C2
receives air from the air pump 24 that is conveyed through the connection members
53b, 54b and the second tube 44b and diverged by the intermediate unit 33A via a discharge
outlet 44b2. The air supplied to the first chamber 33C1 and the second chamber 33C2
is spouted at the lowermost region of the sloping surface of the particle accommodating
unit 31 via the porous member 33B.
[0071] The third chamber 33C3 and the fourth chamber 33C4 are adjacent to the first chamber
33C1 and the second chamber 33C2, respectively. The third chamber 33C3 receives air
from the air pump 24 that is conveyed via the connection members 53a, 54a, and the
tube (first tube) 44a and diverged by the intermediate unit 33A via a discharge outlet
44a1. The fourth chamber 33C4 receives air from the air pump 24 that is conveyed via
the connection members 53a, 54a, and the first tube 44a and diverged by the intermediate
unit 33A via a discharge outlet 44a2. The air supplied to the third chamber 33C3 and
the fourth chamber 33C4 is spouted at regions of the sloping bottom surface other
than the lowermost region via the porous member 33B.
[0072] As is described above, the connection members 53a and 53b are arranged at the particle
accommodating unit 31, and the connection members 54a and 54b are arranged at the
particle supply apparatus main frame 21. When the particle accommodating unit 31 is
installed in the particle supply apparatus main frame 21, the connection members 53a,
53b, 54a, and 54b are interconnected to act as intermediate connectors of a gas conveying
path extending from the air pump 24 to the gas spouting unit 33. When the particle
accommodating unit 31 is detached from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21,
the connection members 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are detached to disconnect the gas conveying
path. In this way, the particle accommodating unit 31 may be easily attached to and
detached from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21.
[0073] It is noted that the area (i.e. area of contact surface that is in contact with the
porous member 33B) or the volume of the first chamber 33C1 and the second chamber
33C2 is arranged to be smaller than the area or volume of the third chamber 33C3 and
the fourth chamber 33C4.
[0074] By arranging the gas spouting unit 33 to have the above-described configuration,
the gas spouting amount per unit area per unit time at the lowermost region of the
sloping surface (where the first chamber 33C1 and the second chamber 33C2 are arranged)
may be greater than the gas spouting amount per unit area per unit time at other regions
of the sloping surface (where the third chamber 33C3 and the fourth chamber 33C4 are
arranged). It is noted that the toner at the lowermost region of the sloping surface
tends to have a higher bulk density compared to the rest of the regions of the sloping
surface. Thus, by varying the gas spouting amount of the gas spouting unit 33 for
the different positions on the sloping surface, uniform fluidity of the toner may
be achieved throughout the sloping surface in an efficient manner, for example.
[0075] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, according to the present embodiment,
plural chambers (e.g., first through fourth chambers 33C1-33C4) are provided at the
gas spouting unit 33, and air from the air pump 24 is individually supplied to the
different chambers so that the gas spouting amount may be varied for the different
positions on the sloping surface. In the present embodiment, the difference in the
gas spouting amount is created by varying the size of the chambers (area or volume
of the chambers 33C1-33C4) from which air is spouted.
[0076] However, it is noted that measures for varying the gas spouting amount is not limited
to the above-described embodiment, and other measures may be implemented such as arranging
different porous members (e.g., having different hole diameters and/or hole densities)
at different positions of the sloping surface, or varying the air pressure of air
discharged from the air pump 24.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the gas spouting amount per unit area per unit time at
the lowermost region of the sloping surface (where the first chamber 33C1 and the
second chamber 33C2 are arranged) is adjusted to be 1.1-2 times greater than the spouting
amount per unit area per unit time at the other regions of the sloping surface (where
the third chamber 33C3 and the fourth chamber 33C4 are arranged) in order to achieve
advantageous effects as described above such as reduced toner bulk density and uniform
toner fluidity, for example.
[0078] It is noted that the suction pipe 37 is arranged above the intermediate unit 33A
(the lowermost position of the sloping surface) so that the toner T may be efficiently
introduced into the suction pipe 37 even when the amount of toner T remaining in the
particle accommodating unit 31 becomes small. The suction pipe 37 is connected to
one end of the pump 22 via the suction tube 40, and the connection members (intermediate
pipes) 50 and 51. The other end of the pump 22 is connected to the toner hopper 9
of the imaging apparatus main frame 1 via a discharge tube (conveying mechanism) 41.
According to the present embodiment, the suction pipe 37, the suction tube 40, and
the connection members 50 and 51 form a particle suction path from the particle accommodating
unit 31 to the pump 22, and the discharge tube 41 forms a particle discharge path
from the pump 22 to the toner hopper 9. When the pump 22 is activated, the toner T
within the particle accommodating unit 31 is introduced into the suction pipe 37 via
a suction port 37a and is conveyed to the toner hopper (supply destination) via the
pump 22.
[0079] As is described above, the connection member 50 is arranged at the particle accommodating
unit 31, and the connection member 51 is arranged at the particle supply apparatus
main frame 21. When the particle accommodating unit 31 is installed in the particle
supply apparatus main frame 21, the connection members 50 and 51 are interconnected
to act as intermediate connectors of the particle suction path (i.e., path extending
from the suction port 37a to the pump 22). When the particle accommodating unit 31
is detached from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21, the connection members
50 and 51 are detached to disconnect the particle suction path. In this way, the particle
accommodating unit 31 may be easily attached to and detached from the particle supply
apparatus main frame 21.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the suction tube 40 and the discharge tube 41 are made
of silicon rubber that has low toner affinity so that the toner T may be prevented
from bonding with the tube to degrade toner transferability, for example.
[0081] In another preferred embodiment, at least a part of the particle suction path and
the particle discharge path is made of a flexible tube (e.g. tubes 40 and 41) in order
to allow flexibility in the layout of the particle accommodating unit 31, the pump
22, and the toner hopper 9.
[0082] As is shown in FIG. 2, the pump 22 is positioned above the toner hopper 9 corresponding
to the toner supply destination. Accordingly, the toner T that is introduced into
the pump 22 is discharged to the toner hopper 9 that is positioned lower than the
pump 22. With such an arrangement, toner may be accurately conveyed with a relatively
small discharge force owing to the positional level difference between the pump 22
and the toner hopper 9 even when the distance from the pump 22 to the toner hopper
9 is relatively long, for example.
[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the slope angle θ of the particle discharge path formed
by the discharge tube 41 may be within 20-90 degrees (more preferably within 25-45
degrees). In this way, toner may be efficiently conveyed through the particle discharge
path by the discharge force of the pump 22 as well as the gravitational falling force
created by the slope angle.
[0084] Also, according to the present embodiment, the suction port 37a (suction pipe 37)
of the particle suction path is positioned lower than the pump 22. Specifically, the
toner T within the particle accommodating unit 31 is introduced into the suction pipe
37 (e.g., having an internal diameter of approximately 6-8 mm) positioned at the lowermost
region of the particle accommodating unit 31 and conveyed upward by suction force.
In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the pump 22 and the suction pipe 37
is arranged to be shorter than the distance between the pump 22 and the toner hopper
9 in order to reduce the suction force of the pump 22 required for conveying the toner
T upward against the gravitational force so that the toner T within the particle accommodating
unit 31 may be efficiently conveyed by suction force. Also, since the toner T is directed
upward in the particle suction path, the toner T may be prevented from scattering
in large amounts when the suction tube 40 is damaged or detached; that is, the scattered
toner may be limited to that flowing within the suction tube 40, for example.
[0085] According to the present embodiment, the vertical distance H1 between the suction
port 37a of the suction pipe 37 and the pump 22 is arranged to be 1.5-2 times the
vertical distance H2 between the toner hopper 9 and the pump 22 (see FIG. 2). In this
way, overall balance may be maintained in the conveying path for conveying toner from
the suction port 37a of the suction pipe 37 to the toner hopper 9 via the pump 22.
[0086] Also, according to the present embodiment, the pump 22 (particle supply apparatus
main frame 21) and the particle accommodating unit 31 are arranged outside the imaging
apparatus main frame 1 so that the configuration of the particle supply apparatus
20 may not be restricted by the configuration of the imaging apparatus main frame
1. For example, the pump 22 may be arranged at a desired position regardless of the
height of the imaging apparatus main frame 1. In another example, the imaging apparatus
main frame 1 may be stationed within an office space whereas the particle supply apparatus
20, which is prone to cause tainting by toner, may be stationed outside the office
space.
[0087] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating in detail the suction pipe 37 and elements associated
therewith. As is shown in this drawing, the suction pipe 37 is fixed to the holding
member 65 that is supported by the support 61 (see FIG. 6). The second gas spouting
unit 62 held by the holding member 65 is arranged below the suction pipe 37. The holding
member 65 (and support 61) is configured to fix the position of the suction pipe 37
within the particle accommodating unit 31 and the position of the second gas spouting
unit 62 with respect to the suction pipe 37.
[0088] The second gas spouting unit 62 spouts air from the air pump 24 that is conveyed
via the connection members 53c, 54c, and the tube (third tube) 44c directly toward
the suction port 37a of the suction pipe 37 (and the remaining toner sensor 38 shown
in FIG. 6), and is made of a porous material. In one embodiment, the second gas spouting
unit 62 may include one or more chambers. The porous material of the second gas spouting
unit 62 is identical to the material used for the porous material 33B of the gas spouting
unit 33. In this way, the bulk density of the toner T around the suction port 37a
of the suction pipe 37 may be reduced and the toner may be fluidized so that clogging
of the conveying mechanism 22, 37, 40, and 41 may be prevented and toner transferability
may be improved, for example. Also, the toner T around the remaining toner sensor
38 may be fluidized so that detection performance of the remaining toner sensor 38
may be stabilized, for example.
[0089] It is noted that in the present embodiment, the second gas spouting unit 62 is used
to spout air toward the suction port 37a of the suction pipe 37 and the remaining
toner sensor 38; however, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment
and for example, a gas spouting unit for spouting air toward the region close to the
suction port 37a of the suction pipe 37 and a gas spouting unit for spouting air toward
the region close to the remaining toner sensor 38 may be separately provided. In another
alternative embodiment, the second gas spouting unit 62 and the gas spouting unit
33 arranged at the bottom of the particle accommodating unit 31 may be combined to
form one gas spouting unit, for example.
[0090] Also, as is shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a rectifying member 39 is
provided at the suction port 37a of the suction pipe 37. The rectifying member 39
is a funnel-shaped member that enlarges the opening area of the suction port 37a to
increase the suction force of the suction port 37a.
[0091] FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating operations of the particle supply apparatus
20 according to the present embodiment. As is shown in this drawing, before suction
operations of the pump 22 (fluid suction via the suction pipe 37) are started, operations
of the second gas spouting unit 62 for spouting air toward the suction port 37a are
started. In this way, fluidization of toner may be ensured at the time toner is introduced
into the suction pipe 37 so that toner transfer may be smoothly performed by the conveying
mechanism 22, 37, 40, and 41.
[0092] Also, the operations of the second gas spouting unit 62 for spouting air toward the
suction port 37a are ended before the suction operations by the pump 22 (fluid suction
via the suction pipe 37) are ended. Specifically, once the fluidity of toner is induced
by the second gas spouting unit 62 right before toner suction operations via the suction
pipe 37 are started, the toner transfer operations may be smoothly performed by the
conveying mechanism 22, 37, 40, and 41 without continuing the operations of the second
gas spouting unit 62. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the operations of the
second gas spouting unit 62 are terminated after a predetermined time elapses from
the time operations of the pump 22 are started in order to reduce the duty time of
the second gas spouting unit 62.
[0093] It is noted that in the present embodiment, the operations of the gas spouting unit
33 (33A, 33B, 33C1-33C4) are performed independent of the operations of the second
gas spouting unit 62. The operations of the gas spouting unit 33 may be continually
performed, intermittently performed, or performed according to the decrease in fluidity
of the toner within the particle accommodating unit 31 (e.g., at predetermined time
intervals), for example. In one embodiment, the timing for supplying air to the first
chamber 33C1 and the second chamber 33C2 and the timing for supplying air to the third
chamber 33C3 and the fourth chamber 33C4 may be varied in order to obtain uniform
fluidity of the toner within the particle accommodating unit 31 in an efficient manner,
for example.
[0094] In another embodiment, operations of the second gas spouting unit 62 may be intermittently
performed while the pump 22 is in operation so that toner transferability may be improved
when the pump 22 is continually operated for a long period of time, for example.
[0095] In another embodiment, operations of the second gas spouting unit 62 may be intermittently
performed in a case where the pump 22 is not operated (abandoned) for a long period
of time so that toner transfer operations may be smoothly performed in response to
activation of the pump 22 even after the pump has been abandoned for a long period
of time, for example.
[0096] In another embodiment, the second gas spouting unit 62 may be forcefully operated
for a predetermined period of time when the main switch of the imaging apparatus main
frame 1 is turned on. In this way, warm up operations may be performed in the particle
supply apparatus 20 when warm up operations are performed in the imaging apparatus
main frame 1 and smooth toner transfer operations may be immediately performed in
response to activation of the second gas spouting unit 62, for example.
[0097] It is noted that in the present embodiment, three tubes 44a-44c are used to separately
supply air to the third chamber 33C3 and fourth chamber 33C4, the first chamber 33C1
and second chamber 33C2, and the second gas spouting unit 62, respectively. In this
way, air flow and air pressure may be easily adjusted according to the characteristics
of the different air supply destinations, for example.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the particle accommodating unit 31 has an opening and
a filter (evacuation member) 35 that covers that opening at its upper face. The filter
35 prevents the toner T within the particle accommodating unit 31 from leaking outside
and prevents the internal pressure of the particle accommodating unit 31 from increasing.
The filter 35 may be made of a material that is identical to that used for the porous
member 33B, or some other material such as GORE-TEX (registered trademark of Japan
Gore-Tex, Inc.) corresponding to a porous fluorine resin material. It is noted that
the filter 35 may be positioned at any position above the toner load line of the particle
accommodating unit 31 formed when the toner is full. For example, the filter 35 does
not necessarily have to be provided at the upper face of the particle accommodating
unit 31 and may alternatively be arranged at a side face of the particle accommodating
unit 31.
[0099] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the remaining toner sensor
38. As is shown in this drawing, the remaining toner sensor 38 includes three piezoelectric
sensors 71-73 that are aligned in a vertical direction. The three piezoelectric sensors
71-73 are held by a case 70 that is supported by the support 61. The three piezoelectric
sensors 71-73 are electrically connected to cables 47a-47c, respectively, and the
cables 47a-47c are bound together within the case 70 to form a bundled cable 47 that
is supported by the support 61 and electrically connected to a control unit of the
imaging apparatus main frame 1 via the connection members 57, 58, and a cable 48 (see
FIG. 4) .
[0100] As is described above, the connection member 57 is arranged at the particle accommodating
unit 31, and the connection member 58 is arranged at the particle supply apparatus
main frame 21. When the particle accommodating unit 31 is attached to the particle
supply apparatus main frame 21, the connection members 57 and 58 act as intermediate
connectors connecting the cable 47 extending from the remaining toner sensor 38 to
the particle supply apparatus main frame 21. When the particle accommodating unit
31 is detached from the particle supply apparatus main frame 21, the connection members
57 and 58 are detached to disconnect the cable 47. In this way, the particle supply
apparatus main frame 21 may be easily attached to and detached from the particle accommodating
unit 31.
[0101] In the present embodiment, the remaining toner sensor 38 is configured to inform
a user of the remaining amount of toner within the particle accommodating unit 31
by measuring the remaining amount of toner on a scale of three different levels.
[0102] Specifically, when the uppermost piezoelectric sensor 71 of the remaining toner sensor
38 detects that there is no toner at its corresponding position (height), a message
indicating that the remaining amount of toner within the particle accommodating unit
31 is decreasing may be displayed at a display unit of the imaging apparatus main
frame 1 ("PRE NEAR END" display). Then, when the middle piezoelectric sensor 72 of
the remaining toner sensor 38 detects that there is no toner at its corresponding
position (height), a message indicating that the toner within the particle accommodating
unit 31 is almost gone may be displayed at the display unit of the imaging apparatus
main frame 1 ("NEAR END" display). Then, when the lowermost piezoelectric sensor 73
of the remaining toner sensor 38 detects that there is no toner at its corresponding
position (height), a message indicating that there is not toner remaining in the particle
accommodating unit 31 may be displayed at the display unit of the imaging apparatus
main frame 1 ("TONER END" display) and suction operations of the pump 22 may be stopped
until replacement operations for replacing the particle accommodating unit 31 are
completed, for example.
[0103] It is noted that the remaining toner sensor 38 is provided outside the suction pipe
37 in the present embodiment so that toner clumps may be prevented from being generated
within the suction pipe 37.
[0104] Also, the remaining toner sensor 38 is positioned above the suction port 37a of the
suction pipe 37 in the present embodiment so that cases in which only air is introduced
into the suction pipe 37 may be prevented. Specifically, the remaining toner sensor
38 may be used to send a signal to stop toner suction operations by the pump 22 while
the toner is still at a position (level) above the suction port 37a. In this way,
the suction pipe 37 may be prevented from merely introducing air by suction when the
toner is already gone (or when the mixing rate of toner with respect to air is low).
[0105] Also, the remaining toner sensor 38 is positioned above the gas spouting unit 33
in the present embodiment so that the remaining toner detection accuracy of the remaining
toner sensor 38 may be improved, for example. Specifically, by arranging the gas spouting
unit 33 to fluidize the toner, the toner remaining amount may be stably and accurately
detected, for example.
[0106] Also, the remaining toner sensor 38 is positioned above the lowermost position of
the sloping surface of the gas spouting unit 33 in the present embodiment so that
the remaining toner sensor may accurately detect the remaining amount of toner within
the particle accommodating unit 31 being introduced into the suction tube 37 that
is also positioned above the lowermost position to enable efficient and economical
transfer of the toner.
[0107] Also, the remaining toner sensor 38 may be accurately positioned within the particle
accommodating unit 31 by the support 61 and the case 70 in the present embodiment.
[0108] Also, the second gas spouting unit 62 is arranged at the lower side of the remaining
toner sensor 38 in the present embodiment so that toner may be fluidized in the vicinity
of the remaining toner sensor 38 and detection accuracy of the remaining toner sensor
38 may be stabilized.
[0109] In the following, the configuration and transportation method of the particle accommodating
unit 31 used in the present embodiment are described.
[0110] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a disposition of the particle accommodating unit 31
when it is being transported. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the interior state of
the particle accommodating unit 31 right after the disposition of the particle accommodating
unit 31 is changed from that during its transportation to that when it is operated.
[0111] As is described above, the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged to be detachable
with respect to the particle supply apparatus main frame 21. When the particle accommodating
unit 31 installed in the particle supply apparatus main frame 21 reaches a toner end
status, this particle accommodating unit 31 is removed from the particle supply apparatus
21, and another particle accommodating unit 31 accommodating ample toner that is transported
from a service station may be installed in the particle supply apparatus main frame
21 as a replacement.
[0112] It is noted that the particle accommodating unit 31 may be transported via various
transportation means including land transportation using trucks or trains, air transportation,
and water transportation, for example.
[0113] In the present embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 10A, the particle accommodating unit
31 being detached from the particle supply apparatus 21 is arranged to rest on one
of its side other than the bottom side upon being transported. Specifically, in FIG.
10A, the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged to rest on its side face 31d that
intersects the bottom portion including the gas spouting unit 33. In other words,
upon being transported (i.e., when low frequency oscillation is applied to the particle
accommodating unit 31 as is described in detail below), the particle accommodating
unit 31 is arranged to stand on its side face.
[0114] On the other hand, as is shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the particle accommodating unit
31 is arranged to rest on its bottom face during operations (i.e., when it is installed
in the particle supply apparatus main frame 21). In other words, after being transported
by a truck or some other transportation means, the disposition of the particle accommodating
unit 31 is changed to an upright position. Specifically, the first gripper 56 may
be gripped to turn the particle accommodating unit 31 around one of the pairs of casters
31a as the pivot so that the particle accommodating unit 31 may stand in an upright
position.
[0115] In this way, even when toner blocking occurs within the particle accommodating unit
31 during its transportation, defective toner supply operations may be prevented from
occurring in the particle supply apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0116] It is noted that the inventor of the present invention has discovered through extensive
research and investigation that when the particle accommodating unit 31 is disposed
in an upright position (in the position shown in FIG. 6) upon being transported, the
toner load line of toner T accommodated in the particle accommodating unit 31 gradually
sinks to a lower level in accordance with the elapse of transportation time to eventually
result in toner blocking. Such an effect is caused by low frequency oscillation being
applied to the particle accommodating unit 31 during its transportation which in turn
causes reduction of air between toner particles and an increase in the toner bulk
density. When toner blocking occurs in the above-described manner, the toner accommodated
within the particle accommodating unit 31 may not be easily fluidized even when gas
is spouted from the gas spouting unit 33 upon operation of the particle accommodating
unit 31. As a result, toner suction operations by the suction tube 37 may be degraded,
and in turn, toner supply operations with respect to the imaging apparatus main frame
1 may be degraded.
[0117] In the case of arranging the particle accommodating unit 31 to rest on its side face
(in the position shown in FIG. 10A) during its transportation, the toner load line
of toner T accommodated in the particle accommodating unit 31 gradually sinks to a
lower level (in the direction indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 10A) in accordance
with the elapse of transportation time in a similar manner as is described above to
eventually result in toner blocking (high toner bulk density). However, by changing
the disposition of the particle accommodating unit 31 to an upright position as is
shown in FIG. 10B from the position of FIG. 10A, a portion of the blocked toner T
(upper portion) breaks and falls towards the bottom (moves in the direction indicated
by the arrow shown in FIG. 10B) by the force of gravity. Accordingly, when gas is
spouted from the gas spouting unit 33, fluidization of the portion of the toner T
that has fallen may function as a trigger for inducing fluidization of the blocked
toner T to result in an increase in the bulk density of the toner T accommodated in
the particle accommodating unit 31 (i.e., the toner load line rises to a higher level
as is indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 10C). In this way, proper toner supply
operations for supplying toner from the particle supply apparatus 20 to the imaging
apparatus main frame 1 may be enabled upon operation.
[0118] FIG. 11 is a graph showing testing results for assessing the effects of the present
embodiment.
[0119] In the graph shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents the time during which
gas is spouted from the gas spouting unit 33 at 15 liters per minute (operation time)
after low frequency oscillation is applied to the particle accommodating unit 31 for
a predetermined time period, and the vertical axis represents the bulk density of
the toner accommodated in the particle accommodating unit 31. Also, it is noted that
the dashed line shown in the graph of FIG. 11 represents testing results of a case
in which oscillation is applied to the particle accommodating unit 31 that is disposed
in an upright position (position shown in FIG. 6), and the solid line represents testing
results of a case in which oscillation is applied to the particle accommodating unit
31 that is resting on its side face (present embodiment).
[0120] As can be appreciated from FIG. 11, when the particle accommodating unit 31 is disposed
in an upright position upon being transported (i.e., upon receiving the lower frequency
oscillation), the toner bulk density hardly changes even after the gas spouting unit
33 is activated. On the other hand, when the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged
to rest on its side face upon being transported (i.e., upon receiving the low frequency
oscillation), the toner bulk density in the particle accommodating unit 31 may gradually
decrease after activating the gas spouting unit 33 by changing the disposition of
the particle accommodating unit 31 to the upright position after its transportation.
[0121] It is noted that the advantageous effects of the present embodiment have also been
confirmed by the testing results obtained by a logarithmic sweep oscillation test
conforming to JIS Z0232 that has been separately conducted by the inventor of the
present invention.
[0122] In the following descriptions, it is assumed that the particle accommodating unit
31 has a width of 650 mm, a depth of 240 mm, and a height of 700 mm. It is noted that
advantageous effects of the present embodiment may become particularly prominent when
the particle accommodating unit 31 is relatively large (i.e., when the toner capacity
of the particle accommodating unit 31 is relatively large) as in the present case.
That is, in order to achieve the above-described effects of blocked toner breaking
and falling towards the bottom portion by gravitational force when the disposition
of the particle accommodating unit 31 is changed from the side face resting position
(disposition during transportation) to the upright position (disposition during operations),
the particle accommodating unit 31 has to be of an adequately size (have adequate
toner capacity). Specifically, the particle accommodating unit 31 of the present embodiment
having the above-described configuration is preferably arranged to have a width of
at least 300 mm and a height of at least 300 mm so that a portion of blocked toner
may easily break and fall towards the bottom portion when the disposition of the particle
accommodating unit 31 is changed.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, according to the present embodiment, the position of
the first gripper 56, which is used for changing the disposition of the particle accommodating
unit 31 from that during its transportation (see FIG. 10A) to that during operations
(see FIG. 10B), is arranged to be distanced away from the resting face 31d on which
the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during its transportation and is arranged
close to the resting face 31c on which the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during
operations. In this way, the particle accommodating unit 31 may be easily turned around
one of the pairs of casters 31a as the pivot. The first gripper 56 is preferably arranged
at both ends with respect to the width directions (i.e., directions perpendicular
to the paper surface of FIGS. 10A-10C) in order to improve operability upon turning
the particle accommodating unit 31. In this case, the first gripper 56 may be separately
arranged at each width direction end portion of the particle accommodating unit 31,
or the first gripper 56 may be one integral structure extending across the width directions
of the particle accommodating unit 31 as is shown in FIG. 12B.
[0124] Also, according to the present embodiment, of the two pairs of casters 31a and 31b
for supporting the particle accommodating unit 31 in an upright position and enabling
it to move with respect to face 31c upon operations, one pair of casters 31a is arranged
close to the region at which the face 31d intersects with the face 31c. In this way,
the particle accommodating unit 31 may be easily turned around with respect to one
of the pairs of casters 31a as the pivot.
[0125] Also, in the present embodiment, the wheel diameter of the pair of casters 31a corresponding
to the pivot for rotating the particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged to be greater
than the wheel diameter of the other pair of casters 31b. In this way, the particle
accommodating unit 31 may be stably turned around the pair of casters 31a corresponding
to the pivot.
[0126] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the pair of casters 31a corresponding to the rotational
pivot of the particle accommodating unit 31 as viewed from the left side of FIG. 10C.
FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the other pair of casters 31b as viewed from the right
side of FIG. 10C.
[0127] As is shown in FIG. 12A, fixed casters are used for the pair of casters 31a corresponding
to the rotational pivot of the particle accommodating unit 31. Specifically, the pair
of casters 31a is coupled to an axle 31a1 and is configured to rotate in only one
direction. In this way, the casters 31a may be prevented from rotating unstably (swiveling)
when the particle accommodating unit 31 is turned with respect to the pair of caster
31a and stable rotating operations may be enabled. In one preferred embodiment, a
lock mechanism (mechanism for locking the rotating wheels) may be arranged at the
pair of casters 31a corresponding to the rotational pivot so that the rotating operations
of the particle accommodating unit 31 may be further stabilized.
[0128] As is shown in FIG. 12B, movable casters having wheels that are able to rotate freely
in any direction are used for the other pair of casters 31b. In this way, the particle
accommodating unit 31 may be moved in any direction with respect to the resting face
31c on which the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during operations.
[0129] Also, as is shown in FIG. 10A, in the present embodiment, conveying means such as
the suction tube 37 and the support 61 are arranged to be adequately distanced away
from the resting face 31d on which the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during
its transportation. In particular, the support 61 that supports the suction tube 37
and the remaining toner sensor 38 is preferably arranged toward the side face opposing
the resting face 31d (upper face in FIG. 10A) at a position above the toner load line
of the toner T at the time the particle accommodating unit 31 is being transported.
In this way, the support may be prevented from being immersed in toner when the particle
accommodating unit 31 is being transported so that the density of the toner particles
may be prevented from increasing and toner blocking may be prevented.
[0130] Also, as is shown in FIG. 10A, in the present embodiment, the filter 35 (evacuation
member) is preferably arranged above the toner load line at the time the particle
accommodating unit 31 is being transported. In this way, the filter 35 may be prevented
from being immersed in toner when the particle accommodating unit 31 is being transported
so that the filter 35 may be prevented from being clogged with toner and filter functions
of the filter 35 may be prevented from being degraded.
[0131] Also, in one preferred embodiment, a vibration controlling member may be arranged
at the side face of the particle accommodating unit 31 (resting face 31b on which
the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during its transportation). For example,
polyurethane foam may be used as the vibration controlling member. In this way, toner
blocking itself that occurs upon transportation of the particle accommodating unit
31 may be reduced.
[0132] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, according to the present embodiment,
air is spouted from the bottom of the particle accommodating unit 31 by the gas spouting
unit 33 while the toner T within the particle accommodating unit 31 is introduced
into the suction pipe 37 to be conveyed to the toner hopper 9 corresponding to the
supply destination. In this way, the toner accommodating capacity may be increased
without causing damage to the toner T or requiring complicated replacement procedures,
fine adjustment of the toner supply amount may be performed, and the toner T may be
efficiently and accurately transferred to the toner hopper 9 without causing the toner
T to scatter, for example.
[0133] It is noted that in the present embodiment, the air pump 24 for supplying air to
the gas spouting unit 33 and the second gas spouting unit 62 is positioned above the
particle accommodating unit 31 of the particle supply apparatus main frame 21; however,
the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the air pump 24 may
alternatively be positioned below the sloping surface of the particle accommodating
unit 31, for example. In such a case, the length of the air conveying path for conveying
air to the gas spouting unit 33 and the second gas spouting unit 62 may be reduced
so that a pipe may be used instead of a (flexible) tube for forming the air conveying
path, for example.
[0134] Also, in the present embodiment, the particle supply apparatus main frame 21 is arranged
outside the imaging apparatus main frame 1; however, the particle supply apparatus
main frame 21 may alternatively be arranged inside the imaging apparatus main frame
1. For example, the pump 22, the air pump 24, and the power supply unit 60 may be
arranged inside the imaging apparatus main frame 1, and the particle accommodating
unit 31 may be configured to be detachable with respect to the imaging apparatus main
frame 1.
(Second Embodiment)
[0135] In the following, a second embodiment of the present invention is described with
reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0136] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit 31 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the particle
accommodating unit 31 of FIG. 13 being installed in a particle supply apparatus according
to the second embodiment. It is noted that the particle supply apparatus according
to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the particle accommodating
unit 31 has casters 31e arranged on a face 31d corresponding to the resting face on
which the particle accommodating unit 31 rests upon its transportation as opposed
to having casters arranged on the resting face of the particle accommodating unit
31 during operation as in the first embodiment.
[0137] As is shown in FIG. 13, according to the second embodiment, plural pairs of casters
31e are arranged at the resting face 31d of the particle accommodating unit 31 during
its transportation for enabling the particle accommodating unit 31 to be movably positioned
upright with respect to the resting face 31d. It is noted that the particle accommodating
unit 31 according to the present embodiment is arranged to stand on its side upon
being transported as in the first embodiment. In this case, an operator may grip the
second gripper 55 to easily move the particle accommodating unit 31 that is standing
on its side via the casters 31e.
[0138] Also, the particle accommodating unit 31 according to the present embodiment includes
an engaging portion 31f and a protruding portion 31g. The particle supply apparatus
main frame 21 includes a pivot portion 21f and a guide portion 21g that engage the
engaging portion 31f and the protruding portion 31g, respectively.
[0139] In the present embodiment, the particle accommodating unit 31 that is standing on
its side may be moved toward the particle supply apparatus main frame 21 as is shown
in FIG. 13 to have the engaging portion 31f engage the pivot portion 21f of the apparatus
main frame 21. Then, the first gripper 56 may be held to rotate the particle accommodating
unit 31 around the pivot portion 21f to engage the protruding portion 31g and the
guide portion 21g. Then, the particle accommodating unit 31 may be inserted into the
particle supply apparatus main frame 21 by sliding the protruding portion 31g on the
guide portion 21g. In this way, the particle accommodating unit 31 may be loaded (installed)
inside the particle supply apparatus main frame 21. At this point, the bottom face
of the particle accommodating unit 31 corresponds to the resting face 31c on which
the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during operation.
[0140] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, in the second embodiment, the
resting face 31d of the particle accommodating unit 31 during its transportation is
arranged be different from the resting face 31c of the particle accommodating unit
31 during operation as in the first embodiment so that defective toner supply operations
may be prevented from occurring in the particle supply apparatus according to the
present embodiment even when toner blocking occurs within the particle accommodating
unit 31 during its transportation.
(Third Embodiment)
[0141] In the following a third embodiment of the present invention is described with reference
to FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0142] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit 31 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a disposition
upon operation of the particle accommodating unit 31 shown in FIG. 15. The particle
supply apparatus according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment
in that a resting face 31d on which the particle accommodating unit 31 rests upon
its transportation is arranged to form an acute angle with a resting face 31c on which
the particle accommodating unit 31 rests during operation.
[0143] As is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the particle accommodating unit 31 according to the
third embodiment is configured such that its resting face 31d during transportation
is arranged to form an acute angle with its resting face 31d upon operation.
[0144] In this way, when the disposition of the particle accommodating unit 31 is changed
from that upon transportation as is shown in FIG. 15 to that during operation as is
shown in FIG. 16, toner T within the particle accommodating unit 31 including blocked
toner generated during transportation may be slanted with respect to the resting face
31c (i.e., the upper portion of the toner may be inclined toward the resting face
31c as is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 16). In this way, blocked toner may
easily break and fall towards the resting face 31c (in the direction of the arrow
shown in FIG. 16) immediately after the disposition of the particle accommodating
unit 31 is changed. Thus, when gas is spouted from the gas spouting unit 33, fluidization
of the fallen toner may be a trigger for inducing fluidization of the entire toner
T accommodated within the particle accommodating unit 31.
[0145] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, in the third embodiment, the resting
face 31d of the particle accommodating unit 31 during its transportation is arranged
be different from the resting face 31c of the particle accommodating unit 31 during
operation as in the previously-described embodiments so that defective toner supply
operations may be prevented from occurring in the particle supply apparatus according
to the present embodiment even when toner blocking occurs within the particle accommodating
unit 31 during its transportation.
(Fourth Embodiment)
[0146] In the following, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described with
reference to FIG. 17.
[0147] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a disposition upon transportation of a particle accommodating
unit 31 according to the fourth embodiment. The particle supply apparatus according
to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the particle accommodating
unit 31 includes a cover member 80.
[0148] As is shown in FIG. 17, the particle accommodating unit 31 according to the fourth
embodiment includes a cover member 80 for covering the filter 35 so that it may be
prevented from being immersed in toner T contained in the particle accommodating unit
80 when the particle accommodating unit 31 is disposed in its position for transportation.
Specifically, the cover member 80 is arranged into a pouch having an upper portion
upon transportation (opening) being positioned above the toner load line of the toner
T during transportation of the particle accommodating unit 31. In this way, the filter
35 may be prevented from being immersed in toner and clogged to lose its function
as a filter.
[0149] It is noted that in the present embodiment, a predetermined gap is secured between
the filter 35 and the cover member 80 so that cases in which the cover member 80 blocks
air from being discharged from the filter 35 may be prevented.
[0150] As can be appreciated, in the fourth embodiment, the resting face 31d of the particle
accommodating unit 31 during its transportation is arranged be different from the
resting face 31c of the particle accommodating unit 31 during operations as in the
previously-described embodiments so that defective toner supply operations may be
prevented from occurring in the particle supply apparatus according to the present
embodiment even when toner blocking occurs within the particle accommodating unit
31 during its transportation.
(Fifth Embodiment)
[0151] In the following, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference
to FIGS. 18A-18C.
[0152] FIGS. 18A-18C are diagrams showing a particle accommodating unit 31 according to
the fifth embodiment. It is noted that the particle accommodating unit 31 according
to the fifth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes
a gas accommodating pouch.
[0153] As is shown in FIGS. 18A-18C, the particle accommodating unit 31 according to the
present embodiment has an air bag 81 arranged at a side face that intersects its bottom
portion as a flexible gas accommodating pouch for accommodating gas therein. The air
bag 81 is connected to an air valve 82 via a tube so that the air bag 81 may be expanded
(i.e., increased in volume) by injecting air therein or contracted (i.e., reduced
in volume) by discharging air therefrom.
[0154] As is shown in FIG. 18A, upon transporting the particle accommodating unit 31 (or
upon performing toner replenishing operations thereon), the air bag 81 is filled with
air and the air valve 82 is sealed. When the particle accommodating unit 31 is transported
in an upright position with the air bag 81 filled with air in the above-described
manner, the toner load line of the toner T accommodated in the particle accommodating
unit 31 sinks to a lower level (in the direction indicated by the arrows shown in
FIG. 18A) in accordance with the elapse of transporting time to eventually result
in toner blocking.
[0155] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the seal of the air valve 82 is released
as is shown in FIG. 18B right before the particle accommodating unit 31 is installed
in the particle supply apparatus main frame 21 so that air may be discharged from
the air bag 81 to cause its contraction (volume reduction) in the direction indicated
by the white arrows shown in FIG. 18B. In response to such a reduction in volume of
the air bag 81, a space is created within the blocked toner T to induce a portion
of the blocked toner T to break and fall towards the space in the direction indicated
by the solid line black arrow shown in FIG. 18B.
[0156] Then, as is shown in FIG. 18C, when gas is spouted from the gas spouting unit 33,
fluidization of the fallen toner may be a trigger for inducing fluidization of the
entire toner T accommodated in the particle accommodating unit 31 to thereby cause
a change in the toner load line as is indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 18C.
[0157] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, in the fifth embodiment, the air
bag 81 arranged within the particle accommodating unit 31 may be reduced in volume
to cause a portion of blocked toner to break and fall so that defective toner supply
operations may be prevented from occurring in the particle supply apparatus according
to the present embodiment.
[0158] It is noted that in the above-described fifth embodiment, the bottom face of the
particle accommodating unit 31 is arranged to be its resting face upon transportation.
However, the resting face of the particle accommodating unit 31 upon its transportation
may alternatively correspond to its side face as in the previously-described embodiments.
In this case, by changing the disposition of the particle accommodating unit 31 to
an upright position and reducing the volume of the air bag upon operation of the particle
supply apparatus, portions of the particle accommodating unit 31 supporting the blocked
toner may be reduced so that the blocked toner may break and fall more easily. In
this way, defective toner supply operations may be prevented from occurring in the
particle supply apparatus according to the present embodiment.
(Sixth Embodiment)
[0159] In the following, a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference
to FIGS. 19A and 19B.
[0160] FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a particle accommodating unit 31 according
to the sixth embodiment. It is noted that the particle accommodating unit 31 according
to the sixth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that its resting
face upon transportation corresponds to its side face extending in the width directions
as opposed to a side face extending in the depth directions as in the first embodiment.
[0161] As is shown in FIG. 19A, in the sixth embodiment, the resting face 31d upon transportation
of the particle accommodating unit 31 corresponds to a side face extending in the
width directions of the particle accommodating unit 31 (side face perpendicular to
the paper surface of FIGS. 19A and 19B). When the particle accommodating unit 31 is
transported in this manner, the toner load line of the toner T accommodated in the
particle accommodating unit 31 gradually sinks to a lower level (in the direction
indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 19A) in accordance with the elapse of transportation
time to eventually result in toner blocking.
[0162] Then, when the particle accommodating unit 31 that is standing on its side face as
is shown in FIG. 19A is positioned upright as is shown in FIG. 19B, a portion of the
blocked toner T may break and fall in the direction indicated by the arrow shown in
FIG. 19B. It is noted that by arranging the side face extending in the width directions
to correspond to the resting face 31d of the particle accommodating unit 31 upon its
transportation, the height of blocked toner with respect to the bottom surface of
the particle accommodating unit 31 may be increased compared to the first embodiment
so that breaking and falling of the upper portion of the blocked toner may be facilitated
owing to the imbalance created upon changing the disposition of the particle accommodating
unit 31.
[0163] As can be appreciated from the above descriptions, in the sixth embodiment, the resting
face 31d of the particle accommodating unit 31 upon its transportation is arranged
to be different from the resting face 31c of the particle accommodating unit 31 upon
operations as in the previously-described embodiments so that even when toner blocking
occurs within the particle accommodating unit 31 upon its transportation, defective
toner supply operations may be prevented from occurring in the particle supply apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0164] It is noted that the above-described preferred embodiments are exemplary applications
of the present invention to a particle supply apparatus 20 that supplies toner to
a supply destination. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments,
and the present invention may equally be applied to a particle supply apparatus that
supplies a two-component developer made up of a toner and a carrier to a supply destination,
for example. In this case, a magnetic permeability sensor may be used as detection
means for detecting the remaining amount of the two-component developer within the
particle accommodating unit, for example.
[0165] Further, the present invention may be applied to other types of particle supply apparatuses
including but not limited to the following:
- (1) Particle supply apparatus (replenisher) for replenishing molding material (pellet)
to a resin molding machine;
- (2) Particle supply apparatus for conveying grain, fertilizer, animal fee, and the
like;
- (3) Particle supply apparatus used at a manufacturing plant for conveying medicine
and other chemicals in powder form, liquid form, or tablet form;
- (4) Particle supply apparatus for conveying cement;
- (5) Particle supply apparatus for dispersing air into industrial paint to decrease
its viscosity and conveying the same; and
- (6) Particle supply apparatus for conveying industrial glass beads used as material
included in road paint and air beds, for example.
[0166] It is noted that in a case where the particle supply apparatus handles hard particles
such as a two-component developer or glass beads, the gas spouting unit 33 (fluidized
bed) may be prone to wear and damage over time and the pores of the porous member
may be clogged when it is made of resin material such as polyethylene or polycarbonate
(PE or PC). Thus, in this case, the gas spouting unit 33 is preferably made of sintered
copper, sintered iron, or a fine metal mesh filter, for example.
[0167] Also, it is noted that in the above-described embodiments of the present invention,
a diaphragm air pump is used as the pump 22 for attracting toner within the particle
accommodating unit 31 using suction force to discharge air towards the toner hopper
9. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other types
of air pumps such as a screw pump (mono pump) may be used to obtain one or more of
the above-described advantages of the present invention.
[0168] Also, it is noted that in the above-described embodiments of the present invention,
the particle supply apparatus 20 is independently provided at that external side of
the imaging apparatus 1. However, the particle supply apparatus 20 may also be provided
as an integral unit within the imaging apparatus 1.
[0169] Further, the present invention is not limited to the above specifically disclosed
embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.
1. A particle supply apparatus (20) that supplies particles to a supply destination,
the apparatus comprising:
a particle supply apparatus main frame (21);
a particle accommodating unit (31) that is configured to accommodate the particles;
a gas spouting unit (33) that is arranged at a bottom portion of the particle accommodating
unit (31) and is configured to spout gas toward the particles; and
a conveying mechanism (37) that is configured to apply suction to the particles accommodated
in the particle accommodating unit (31) and to convey the particles toward the supply
destination;
wherein the particle accommodating unit (31) is installed in the particle supply apparatus
main frame (21) and is arranged to rest on a first resting face (31 c) at the bottom
portion side during operation, and the particle accommodating unit (31) is detached
from the particle supply apparatus main frame (21) and is arranged to rest on a second
resting face (31d) other than the first resting face (31c) at the bottom portion side
during transportation,
characterized in that the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a plurality of pairs of casters (31a,
31b) for moving the particle accommodating unit (31) in an upright position with respect
to the first resting face (31 c) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during operation
and one of the pairs of casters (31a) is arranged close to an intersecting position
as a pivot between the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit
(31) during transportation and the first resting face (31 c) of the particle accommodating
unit (31) during operation.
2. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a first gripper part (56) for alternating
a disposition of the particle accommodating unit (31) between a disposition for transportation
and a disposition for operation.
3. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the first gripper part (56) is arranged at a position that is distanced away from
the resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation
and is close to the resting face (31c) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during
operation.
4. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a second gripper part (55) for attaching
and detaching the particle accommodating unit (31) with respect to the particle supply
apparatus main frame (21).
5. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particle accommodating
unit (31) resting on the second face (31d) during transportation is turned around
one of the pairs of casters (31a, 31b) so that the particle accommodating unit (31)
stands in an upright position resting on the first resting face (31c) during operation.
6. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particle accommodating
unit (31) has a width of at least 300 mm and a height of at least 300 mm.
7. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
a wheel diameter of said one of the pairs of casters (31a) is arranged to be greater
than a wheel diameter of the other one or more pairs of casters.
8. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
said one of the pairs of casters (31a) corresponds to a pair of fixed casters.
9. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein
said one of the pairs of casters (31a) includes a lock mechanism.
10. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a plurality of pairs of casters (31e)
for moving the particle accommodating unit (31) in an upright position with respect
to the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation.
11. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the second resting face (31 d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation
is arranged to form an acute angle with respect to the first resting face (31c) of
the particle accommodating unit (31) during operation.
12. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a vibration controlling member arranged
at the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation.
13. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the conveying mechanism (37) is arranged at a position that is distanced away from
the second resting face (3 1 d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation.
14. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes an evacuation member (35) arranged at
an upper face opposing the bottom portion for evacuating air contained in the particle
accommodating unit (31); and
the evacuation member (35) is arranged to be positioned above a particle load line
of the particles accommodated in the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation
of the particle accommodating unit (31).
15. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes an evacuation member (35) arranged at
an upper face opposing the bottom portion for evacuating air contained in the particle
accommodating unit (31), and a cover member (80) that covers the evacuation member
(35) and prevents the evacuation member (35) from being immersed in the particles
accommodated in the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation of the
particle accommodating unit (31).
16. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a gas accommodating pouch (81) arranged
at the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation;
and
the gas accommodating pouch (81) is configured to be reduced in volume by evacuating
gas contained in the particle accommodating unit (31) during operation.
17. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation
corresponds to a side face of the particle accommodating unit (31) that intersects
with the bottom portion of the particle accommodating unit (31).
18. A particle supply apparatus (20) that supplies particles to a supply destination,
the apparatus (20) comprising:
a particle supply apparatus main frame (21);
a particle accommodating unit (31) that is configured to accommodate the particles;
a gas spouting unit (33) that is arranged at a bottom portion of the particle accommodating
unit (31) and is configured to spout gas toward the particles; and
a conveying mechanism (37) that is configured to apply suction to the particles accommodated
in the particle accommodating unit (31) and to convey the particles toward the supply
destination; characterized in that
the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a gas accommodating pouch (81) arranged
at a side face of the particle accommodating unit that intersects with the bottom
portion; and
the gas accommodating pouch (81) is configured to be reduced in volume by evacuating
gas contained in the particle accommodating unit (31) during operation.
19. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 18,
wherein the particle accommodated in the particle accommodating unit (31) corresponds
to toner.
20. The particle supply apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 18,
wherein the particle accommodated in the particle accommodating unit (31) corresponds
to a two-component developer made up of toner and a carrier.
21. An imaging apparatus comprising:
a particle supply apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.
22. A method of transporting a particle accommodating unit (31) that is detachably arranged
at a particle supply apparatus (20) for supplying particles to a supply destination
which particle accommodating unit (31) is configured to accommodate the particles
and has a gas spouting unit (33) arranged at a bottom portion for spouting gas towards
the particles, the method comprising:
detaching the particle accommodating unit (31) from the particle supply apparatus
(20) upon transporting the particle accommodating unit (31), and arranging the particle
accommodating unit (31) to rest on a second resting face (31d) at the bottom portion
side of the particle accommodating unit (31) during transportation of the particle
accommodating unit (31), which resting face (31d) is different from a resting face
(31 c) on which the particle accommodating unit (31) is arranged during operation,
characterized in that the particle accommodating unit (31) includes a plurality of pairs of casters (3
1 a, 31b) for moving the particle accommodating unit (31) in an upright position with
respect to the first resting face (31c) of the particle accommodating unit (31) during
operation and
one of the pairs of casters (31a) is arranged close to an intersecting position as
a pivot between the second resting face (31d) of the particle accommodating unit (31)
during transportation and the first resting face (31c) of the particle accommodating
unit (31) during operation.
1. Partikelzuführungsapparat (20), der Partikel zu einem Zuführungsbestimmungsort zuführt,
wobei der Apparat aufweist:
einen Partikelzuführungsapparat-Hauptrahmen bzw. -Hauptgehäuse (21);
eine Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31), die konfiguriert ist, um die Partikel unter-zubringen;
eine Gasspeieinheit bzw. Gasstrahleinheit (33), die an einem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt
von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) angeordnet ist und konfiguriert ist, um
Gas in Richtung der Partikel zu speien bzw. zu strahlen; und
einen Fördermechanismus (37), der konfiguriert ist, um Sog bzw. Saugwirkung auf die
Partikel anzuwenden, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind,
und um die Partikel in Richtung des Zuführungsbestimmungsortes zu fördern;
wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) in dem Partikelzuführungsapparat-Hauptrahmen
bzw. -Hauptgehäuse (21) installiert ist und angeordnet ist, um sich auf eine erste
Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) an der unteren bzw. Bodenabschnittsseite während
des Betriebs zu stützen, und wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) von dem
Partikelzuführungsapparat-Hauptrahmen bzw. - Hauptgehäuse (21) abgenommen wird und
angeordnet bzw. eingerichtet ist, um sich auf eine zweite Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche
(31d) anders als die erste Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31c) an der unteren bzw. Bodenabschnittsseite
während des Transports zu stützen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) eine Mehrzahl von Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren
(31 a, 31 b) zum Bewegen der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) in einer aufrechten
Position enthält, und zwar in Bezug auf die erste Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c)
von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Betriebs, und wobei eines von
den Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren (31a) nahe an einer Schnitt- bzw. Kreuzungsposition
als ein Drehpunkt bzw. Gelenkpunkt zwischen der zweiten Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche
(31 d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports und der ersten
Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während
des Betriebs angeordnet ist.
2. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) einen ersten Greifvorrichtungsteil (56) zum Ändern einer Anordnung von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) zwischen einer Anordnung für den Transport und einer Anordnung für den Betrieb
enthält.
3. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 2 beansprucht, wobei der erste Greifvorrichtungsteil
(56) an einer Position angeordnet ist, die von der Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31d)
von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports beabstandet ist,
und nahe an der Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) während des Betriebs ist.
4. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 2 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) einen zweiten Greifvorrichtungsteil (55) zum Anbringen und Abnehmen der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) in Bezug auf den Partikelzuführungsapparat-Hauptrahmen bzw. -Hauptgehäuse (21)
enthält.
5. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31), die sich auf die zweite Fläche (31d) während des Transports stützt, um eines
von den Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren (31 a, 31 b) herumgedreht wird, so dass die
Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) in einer aufrechten Position steht, wobei sie sich
auf die erste Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31c) während des Betriebs stützt.
6. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) eine Breite von wenigstens 300 mm und eine Höhe von wenigstens 300 mm hat.
7. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei ein Rollendurchmesser
bzw. Raddurchmesser von dem einen von den Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren (31a) angeordnet
bzw. eingerichtet ist, um größer als ein Rollendurchmesser bzw. Raddurchmesser von
dem anderen einen oder mehreren Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren zu sein.
8. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 7 beansprucht, wobei das eine von den Rollenpaaren
bzw. Räderpaaren (31a) einem Paar von fixierten bzw. unverstellbaren Rollen bzw. Rädern
entspricht.
9. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 8 beansprucht, wobei das eine von den Rollenpaaren
bzw. Räderpaaren (31a) einen Sperr- bzw. Arretiermechanismus enthält.
10. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) eine Mehrzahl von Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren (31e) zum Bewegen der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) in einer aufrechten Position enthält, und zwar in Bezug auf die zweite Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports.
11. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die zweite Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31 d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports
angeordnet bzw. eingerichtet ist, um einen spitzen Winkel in Bezug auf die erste Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Betriebs
zu bilden.
12. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) ein Schwingungskontrollglied bzw. Schwingungsdämpfungsglied enthält, das an der
zweiten Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31)
während des Transports angeordnet ist.
13. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei der Fördermechanismus
(37) an einer Position angeordnet ist, die von der zweiten Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche
(31d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports beabstandet
ist.
14. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) ein Evakuierungsglied bzw. Entleerungsglied (35) enthält, das an einer oberen
Oberfläche entgegengesetzt zu dem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt angeordnet ist, und
zwar zum Evakuieren bzw. Entleeren von Luft, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) enthalten ist; und
wobei das Evakuierungsglied bzw. Entleerungsglied (35) angeordnet bzw. eingerichtet
ist, um oberhalb einer Partikelbeschickungsleitung von den Partikeln angeordnet ist,
die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind, und zwar während
des Transports von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31).
15. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) ein Evakuierungsglied bzw. Entleerungsglied (35) enthält, das an einer oberen
Oberfläche entgegengesetzt zu dem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt angeordnet ist, und
zwar zum Evakuieren bzw. Entleeren von Luft, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) enthalten ist, und wobei ein Abdeckungsglied bzw. Blendenglied (80), das das
Evakuierungsglied bzw. Entleerungsglied (35) abdeckt bzw. verblendet und das Evakuierungsglied
bzw. Entleerungsglied (35) davor bewahrt, in den Partikeln versunken zu sein, die
in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind, und zwar während des
Transports von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31).
16. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) einen Gasunterbringungsbeutel bzw. Gasunterbringungsbehälter (81) enthält, der
an der zweiten Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) während des Transports angeordnet ist; und
wobei der Gasunterbringungsbeutel bzw. Gasunterbringungsbehälter (81) konfiguriert
ist, um im Volumen verringert zu sein, und zwar durch Evakuieren bzw. Entleeren von
Gas, das in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Betriebes enthalten
ist.
17. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in Anspruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die zweite Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31 d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports
einer Seitenfläche von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) entspricht, die sich
mit dem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) schneidet
bzw. kreuzt.
18. Partikelzuführungsapparat (20), der Partikel zu einem Zuführungsbestimmungsort zuführt,
wobei der Apparat (20) aufweist:
einen Partikelzuführungsapparat-Hauptrahmen bzw. -Hauptgehäuse (21); eine Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31), die konfiguriert ist, um die Partikel unterzubringen;
eine Gasspeieinheit bzw. Gasstrahleinheit (33), die an einem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt
von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) angeordnet ist und konfiguriert ist, um
Gas in Richtung der Partikel zu speien bzw. zu strahlen; und
einen Fördermechanismus (37), der konfiguriert ist, um Sog bzw. Saugwirkung auf die
Partikel anzuwenden, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind,
und um die Partikel in Richtung des Zuführungsbestimmungsortes zu fördern,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) einen Gasunterbringungsbeutel bzw. Gasunterbringungsbehälter
(81) enthält, der an einer Seitenfläche von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit angeordnet
ist, die sich mit dem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt schneidet bzw. kreuzt; und
der Gasunterbringungsbeutel bzw. Gasunterbringungsbehälter (81) konfiguriert ist,
um im Volumen reduziert zu sein, und zwar durch Evakuieren bzw. Entleeren von Gas,
das in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Betriebs enthalten ist.
19. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 18 beansprucht, wobei
die Partikel, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind, einem
Toner entsprechen.
20. Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 18 beansprucht, wobei
die Partikel, die in der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) untergebracht sind, einem
Zweikomponentenentwickler entsprechen, der aus Toner und einem Träger gebildet bzw.
zusammengesetzt ist.
21. Bilderzeugungsapparat, aufweisend:
einen Partikelzuführungsapparat wie in irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 20 beansprucht.
22. Verfahren des Transportierens einer Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31), die abnehmbar
an einem Partikelzuführungsapparat (20) zum Zuführen von Partikeln zu einem Zuführungsbestimmungsort
angeordnet ist, wobei die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) konfiguriert ist, um
die Partikel unterzubringen und eine Gasspeieinheit bzw. Gasstrahleinheit (33) hat,
die an einem unteren bzw. Bodenabschnitt angeordnet ist, und zwar zum Speien bzw.
Strahlen von Gas in Richtung der Partikel, wobei das Verfahren aufweist:
Abnehmen der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) von dem Partikelzuführungsapparat
(20) auf das Transportieren der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) hin, und Anordnen
bzw. Einrichten der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31), um sich auf eine zweite Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31d) an der unteren bzw. Bodenabschnittsseite von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) zu stützen, und zwar während des Transports von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31), wobei die Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 d) unterschiedlich von einer Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) ist, auf welcher die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während
des Betriebs angeordnet bzw. eingerichtet ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) eine Mehrzahl von Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren
(31a, 31b) enthält, und zwar zum Bewegen der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) in
einer aufrechten Position in Bezug auf die erste Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c)
von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Betriebs und
wobei eines von den Rollenpaaren bzw. Räderpaaren (31a) nahe an einer Schnitt- bzw.
Kreuzungsposition als ein Drehpunkt bzw. Gelenkpunkt zwischen der zweiten Auflage-
bzw. Stützfläche (31d) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit (31) während des Transports
und der ersten Auflage- bzw. Stützfläche (31 c) von der Partikelunterbringungseinheit
(31) während des Betriebs angeordnet ist.
1. Appareil de fourniture de particules (20) qui fournit des particules à une destination
de fourniture, l'appareil comprenant :
un cadre principal d'appareil de fourniture de particules (21) ;
une unité de réception de particules (31) qui est configurée pour recevoir les particules
;
une unité de décharge de gaz (33) qui est agencée dans une partie de fond de l'unité
de réception de particules (31) et qui est configurée pour décharger du gaz vers les
particules ; et
un mécanisme de transport (37) qui est configuré pour appliquer une aspiration aux
particules reçues dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) et pour transporter
les particules vers la destination de fourniture ;
dans lequel l'unité de réception de particules (31) est installée dans le cadre principal
d'appareil de fourniture de particules (21) et est agencée pour reposer sur une première
face d'appui (31c) d'un côté de partie de fond pendant le fonctionnement, et l'unité
de réception de particules (31) est détachée du cadre principal d'appareil de fourniture
de particules (21) et est agencée pour reposer sur une deuxième face d'appui (31d)
autre que la première face d'appui (31c) du côté de partie de fond pendant le transport,
caractérisé en ce que l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend une pluralité de paires de roulettes
(31a, 31b) pour déplacer l'unité de réception de particules (31) dans une position
verticale par rapport à la première face d'appui (31c) de l'unité de réception de
particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement et l'une des paires de roulettes (31a) est
agencée à proximité d'une position de croisement en tant que pivot entre la deuxième
face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant le transport
et la première face d'appui (31c) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant
le fonctionnement.
2. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend une première partie d'organe de préhension
(56) pour alterner une disposition de l'unité de réception de particules (31) entre
une disposition pour le transport et une disposition pour le fonctionnement.
3. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 2, dans lequel
la première partie d'organe de préhension (56) est agencée à une position qui est
à distance de la face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant
le transport et qui est à proximité de la face d'appui (31c) de l'unité de réception
de particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement.
4. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 2, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend une deuxième partie d'organe de préhension
(55) pour attacher et détacher l'unité de réception de particules (31) par rapport
au cadre principal d'appareil de fourniture de particules (21).
5. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'unité
de réception de particules (31) reposant sur la deuxième face (31d) pendant le transport
est tournée autour de l'une des paires de roulettes (31a, 31b) de sorte que l'unité
de réception de particules (31) soit dans une position verticale en reposant sur la
première face d'appui (31c) pendant le fonctionnement.
6. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'unité
de réception de particules (31) a une largeur d'au moins 300 mm et une hauteur d'au
moins 300 mm.
7. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
un diamètre de roue de ladite une des paires de roulettes (31a) est réalisé pour être
supérieur à un diamètre de roue de l'autre ou de plusieurs paires de roulettes.
8. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 7, dans lequel
ladite une des paires de roulettes (31a) correspond à une paire de roulettes fixes.
9. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 8, dans lequel
ladite une des paires de roulettes (31a) comprend un mécanisme de verrouillage.
10. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend une pluralité de paires de roulettes
(31e) pour déplacer l'unité de réception de particules (31) dans une position verticale
par rapport à la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules
(31) pendant le transport.
11. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant
le transport est agencée pour former un angle aigu par rapport à la première face
d'appui (31c) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement.
12. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend un élément de commande de vibrations
agencé au niveau de la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules
(31) pendant le transport.
13. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le mécanisme de transport (37) est agencé à une position qui est à distance de la
deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant le
transport.
14. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend un élément d'évacuation (35) agencé
au niveau d'une face supérieure opposée à la partie de fond pour évacuer l'air contenu
dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) ; et
l'élément d'évacuation (35) est agencé pour être positionné au-dessus d'une ligne
de chargement de particules des particules reçues dans l'unité de réception de particules
(31) pendant le transport de l'unité de réception de particules (31).
15. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend un élément d'évacuation (35) agencé
au niveau d'une face supérieure opposée à la partie de fond pour évacuer l'air contenu
dans l'unité de réception de particules (31), et un élément de recouvrement (80) qui
recouvre l'élément d'évacuation (35) et empêche que l'élément d'évacuation (35) soit
immergé dans les particules reçues dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant
le transport de l'unité de réception de particules (31).
16. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend un sachet contenant du gaz (81) agencé
au niveau de la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules
(31) pendant le transport ; et
le sachet contenant du gaz (81) est configuré pour que son volume soit réduit en évacuant
le gaz contenu dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement.
17. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant
le transport correspond à une face latérale de l'unité de réception de particules
(31) qui croise la partie de fond de l'unité de réception de particules (31).
18. Appareil de fourniture de particules (20) qui fournit des particules à une destination
de fourniture, l'appareil (20) comprenant :
un cadre principal d'appareil de fourniture de particules (21) ;
une unité de réception de particules (31) qui est configurée pour recevoir les particules
;
une unité de décharge de gaz (33) qui est agencée dans une partie de fond de l'unité
de réception de particules (31) et qui est configurée pour décharger du gaz vers les
particules ; et
un mécanisme de transport (37) qui est configuré pour appliquer une aspiration aux
particules reçues dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) et pour transporter
les particules vers la destination de fourniture ; caractérisé en ce que
l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend un sachet contenant du gaz (81) agencé
au niveau d'une face latérale de l'unité de réception de particules qui croise la
partie de fond ; et
le sachet contenant du gaz (81) est configuré pour que son volume soit réduit en évacuant
le gaz contenu dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement.
19. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à
18,
dans lequel la particule reçue dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) correspond
à du toner.
20. Appareil de fourniture de particules selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à
18,
dans lequel la particule reçue dans l'unité de réception de particules (31) correspond
à un développeur à deux composants constitué d'un toner et d'un porteur.
21. Appareil de formation d'image comprenant :
un appareil de fourniture de particules selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 20.
22. Procédé de transport d'une unité de réception de particules (31) qui est agencée de
manière détachable au niveau d'un appareil de fourniture de particules (20) pour fournir
des particules à une destination de fourniture, laquelle unité de réception de particules
(31) est configurée pour recevoir les particules et comporte une unité de décharge
de gaz (33) agencée dans une partie de fond pour décharger du gaz vers les particules,
le procédé comprenant :
le détachement de l'unité de réception de particules (31) de l'appareil de fourniture
de particules (20) lors du transport de l'unité de réception de particules (31), et
l'agencement de l'unité de réception de particules (31) pour qu'elle repose sur une
deuxième face d'appui (31d) au niveau du côté de partie de fond de l'unité de réception
de particules (31) pendant le transport de l'unité de réception de particules (31),
laquelle face d'appui (31d) est différente d'une face d'appui (31c) sur laquelle l'unité
de réception de particules (31) est agencée pendant le fonctionnement,
caractérisé en ce que l'unité de réception de particules (31) comprend une pluralité de paires de roulettes
(31a, 31b) pour déplacer l'unité de réception de particules (31) dans une position
verticale par rapport à la première face d'appui (31c) de l'unité de réception de
particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement, et
l'une des paires de roulettes (31a) est agencée à proximité d'une position de croisement
en tant que pivot entre la deuxième face d'appui (31d) de l'unité de réception de
particules (31) pendant le transport et la première face d'appui (31c) de l'unité
de réception de particules (31) pendant le fonctionnement.